U.S. patent application number 13/405695 was filed with the patent office on 2013-05-30 for bicycle disc brake rotor.
This patent application is currently assigned to SHIMANO INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is Toru IWAI, Makoto SOUWA. Invention is credited to Toru IWAI, Makoto SOUWA.
Application Number | 20130133997 13/405695 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48288068 |
Filed Date | 2013-05-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130133997 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
IWAI; Toru ; et al. |
May 30, 2013 |
BICYCLE DISC BRAKE ROTOR
Abstract
A bicycle disc brake rotor basically has a base rotor plate and
a first thermally sprayed layer. The base rotor plate includes an
outer portion having first and second base surfaces facing in
opposite axial directions. The first thermally sprayed layer is
laminated on the first base surface of the outer portion of the
base rotor plate to form a first outer surface.
Inventors: |
IWAI; Toru; (Osaka, JP)
; SOUWA; Makoto; (Osaka, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
IWAI; Toru
SOUWA; Makoto |
Osaka
Osaka |
|
JP
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
SHIMANO INC.
Osaka
JP
|
Family ID: |
48288068 |
Appl. No.: |
13/405695 |
Filed: |
February 27, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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13304332 |
Nov 24, 2011 |
|
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13405695 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
188/218XL |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60T 7/102 20130101;
B62L 1/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
188/218XL |
International
Class: |
F16D 65/12 20060101
F16D065/12; B62L 1/00 20060101 B62L001/00 |
Claims
1. A bicycle disc brake rotor comprising: a base rotor plate
including an outer portion having first and second base surfaces
facing in opposite axial directions; and a first thermally sprayed
layer laminated on the first base surface of the outer portion of
the base rotor plate to form a first outer surface.
2. The bicycle disc brake rotor according to claim 1, further
comprising a second thermally sprayed layer laminated on the second
base surface of the outer portion of the base rotor plate to form a
second outer surface.
3. The bicycle disc brake rotor according to claim 1, wherein the
first thermally sprayed layer has a higher wear resistance than the
outer portion.
4. The bicycle disc brake rotor according to claim 1, wherein the
first thermally sprayed layer has a lower thermal conductivity than
the outer portion.
5. The bicycle disc brake rotor according to claim 1, wherein the
base rotor plate further includes a plurality of connecting arms
extending radially inward from the outer portion, and the first
thermally sprayed layer overlying at least one of the connecting
arms.
6. The bicycle disc brake rotor according to claim 1, wherein the
base rotor plate further includes a plurality of connecting arms
extending radially inward from the outer portion, and the first
thermally sprayed layer at least partially overlying at least one
of the connecting arms.
7. The bicycle disc brake rotor according to claim 2, wherein the
base rotor plate further includes a plurality of connecting arms
extending radially inward from the outer portion, and the first and
second thermally sprayed layers overlying at least one of the
connecting arms.
8. The bicycle disc brake rotor according to claim 1, wherein the
base rotor plate further includes a plurality of connecting arms
extending radially inward from the outer portion, and the first and
second thermally sprayed layers overlying at least two of the
connecting arms.
9. The bicycle disc brake rotor according to claim 1, wherein the
base rotor plate is formed of aluminum alloy, and the first
thermally sprayed layer is formed of stainless steel.
10. The bicycle disc brake rotor according to claim 1, wherein the
base rotor plate further includes a connecting portion and a hub
mounting portion, the connecting portion connecting the outer
portion to the hub mounting portion.
11. The bicycle disc brake rotor according to claim 10, wherein the
connecting portion has a single continuous disc extending between
the outer portion and the hub mounting portion.
12. The bicycle disc brake rotor according to claim 10, wherein the
connecting portion includes a plurality of connecting arms
extending between the outer portion and the hub mounting
portion.
13. The bicycle disc brake rotor according to claim 12, wherein at
least one of the connecting arms is laminated by a copper layer
which is provided by a thermally spray.
14. The bicycle disc brake rotor according to claim 12, wherein the
outer portion and the connecting arms are integrally formed as a
one-piece member of a first material.
15. The bicycle disc brake rotor according to claim 10, wherein the
outer portion, the connecting portion and the hub mounting portion
are integrally formed as a one-piece member.
16. The bicycle disc brake rotor according to claim 10, wherein the
hub mounting portion is a separate member that is fixed to the
inner ends of the connecting portion.
17. The bicycle disc brake rotor according to claim 10, wherein the
hub mounting portion includes a plurality of hub mounting holes
arranged circumferentially about a center rotational axis of the
bicycle disc brake rotor.
18. The bicycle disc brake rotor according to claim 10, wherein the
hub mounting portion includes a splined hub mounting hole centered
on a center rotational axis of the bicycle disc brake rotor.
19. The bicycle disc brake rotor according to claim 1, further
comprising a third thermally sprayed layer laminated between the
first base surface of the outer portion of the base rotor plate and
the first thermally sprayed layer, the base rotor plate being
formed of aluminum alloy, the first thermally sprayed layer being
formed of stainless steel, and the third thermally sprayed layer
being formed of copper.
20. The bicycle disc brake rotor according to claim 19, wherein a
fourth thermally sprayed layer laminated between the second base
surface of the outer portion of the base rotor plate and the second
thermally sprayed layer, the second thermally sprayed layer being
formed of stainless steel, and the fourth thermally sprayed layer
being formed of copper.
21. A bicycle disc brake rotor comprising: a base rotor plate
including an outer portion having first and second base surfaces
facing in opposite axial directions, and an inner portion disposed
radially inward of the outer portion; and a first thermally sprayed
layer laminated on the first base surface of the outer portion of
the base rotor plate to form a first outer surface.
22. The bicycle disc brake rotor according to claim 21, wherein the
inner portion includes a connecting portion and a hub mounting
portion, the connecting portion connecting the outer portion to the
hub mounting portion.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part application of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/304,332 filed on Nov. 24, 2011.
The entire disclosure of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
13/304,332 is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention generally relates to a bicycle disc brake
rotor. More specifically, the present invention relates to a
bicycle disc brake rotor with a configuration that promotes cooling
of the braking surfaces.
[0004] 2. Background Information
[0005] In recent years, some bicycles have been provided with disc
brakes. Disc brake systems provide a substantial braking power in
relationship to the amount of braking force applied to the brake
lever. Also, disc brake systems typically provide a high level of
consistency in all types of weather and riding conditions. Disc
brake systems typically include a caliper housing, a first movable
brake pad and a second fixed or movable brake pad. Disc brakes can
be hydraulically actuated or mechanically actuated for moving the
movable brake pad(s). The brake pads are positioned on either side
of a rotor, which is attached to the front or back wheel of a
bicycle. The brake pads are pressed against a brake disc or rotor
that is fixed to the wheel to slow down or stop the rotation of the
disc, and thus, slow down or stop the rotation of the wheel.
SUMMARY
[0006] While disc brake systems provide excellent performance, the
braking action tends to generate a substantial amount of heat in
the disc brake rotor. Thus, one aspect present in this disclosure
is to provide a disc brake rotor with a configuration that promotes
cooling of the disc brake rotor.
[0007] In view of the state of the known technology, a bicycle disc
brake rotor is basically provided that comprises a base rotor plate
and a first thermally sprayed layer. The base rotor plate includes
an outer portion having first and second base surfaces facing in
opposite axial directions. The first thermally sprayed layer is
laminated on the first base surface of the outer portion of the
base rotor plate to form a first outer surface.
[0008] These and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of
the disclosed bicycle disc brake rotor will become apparent to
those skilled in the art from the following detailed description,
which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses
preferred embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of
this original disclosure:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a partial side elevational view of a front disc
brake system including a bicycle disc brake rotor in accordance
with a first embodiment;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the disc brake rotor
illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the bicycle disc brake
rotor illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4 as seen along section line 3-3 of
FIG. 2;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the bicycle disc brake
rotor illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 as seen along section line 4-4
of FIG. 2;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of a bicycle disc brake
rotor in accordance with a second embodiment;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of the bicycle disc brake
rotor illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4 as seen along section line 6-6 of
FIG. 5;
[0016] FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of a bicycle disc brake
rotor in accordance with a third embodiment;
[0017] FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of the bicycle disc
brake rotor illustrated in FIG. 7;
[0018] FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of the bicycle disc brake
rotor illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4 as seen along section line 9-9 of
FIG. 7;
[0019] FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of a bicycle disc brake
rotor in accordance with a fourth embodiment;
[0020] FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of the disc brake
rotor illustrated in FIG. 10;
[0021] FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view of the bicycle disc brake
rotor illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4 as seen along section line 12-12
of FIG. 10;
[0022] FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of a bicycle disc brake
rotor in accordance with a fifth embodiment;
[0023] FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view of the bicycle disc brake
rotor illustrated in FIG. 13 as seen along section line 14-14 of
FIG. 13;
[0024] FIG. 15 is a cross sectional view of the bicycle disc brake
rotor illustrated in FIG. 13 as seen along section line 15-15 of
FIG. 13;
[0025] FIG. 16 is a cross sectional view of the bicycle disc brake
rotor illustrated in FIG. 13 as seen along section line 16-16 of
FIG. 13;
[0026] FIG. 17 is a side elevational view of a disc brake rotor in
accordance with a sixth embodiment; and
[0027] FIG. 18 is an enlarged perspective view of the bicycle disc
brake rotor illustrated in FIG. 17.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0028] Selected embodiments will now be explained with reference to
the drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from
this disclosure that the following descriptions of the embodiments
are provided for illustration only and not for the purpose of
limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their
equivalents.
[0029] Referring initially to FIG. 1, a front disc brake system 10
is illustrated that includes a bicycle disc brake rotor 12 in
accordance with a first embodiment. As explained below, the bicycle
disc brake rotor 12 has a configuration that promotes cooling of
the bicycle disc brake rotor 12. The front disc brake system 10
further includes a bicycle disc brake caliper 14 and a brake
operating (actuating) mechanism 16. Basically, the bicycle disc
brake rotor 12 is fixedly attached to a hub of a bicycle wheel (not
shown). The bicycle disc brake caliper 14 is mounted to a bicycle
fork 18, while brake operating mechanism 16 is attached to a
bicycle handlebar 20. Since the operation and construction of the
front disc brake system 10 is conventional, except for the
construction of the bicycle disc brake rotor 12, the front disc
brake system 10 will not be discussed or shown in further detail
herein. Moreover, while the front disc brake system 10 is
illustrated as a hydraulic braking system, the bicycle disc brake
rotor 12 can be used with other types of braking systems as needed
and/or desired.
[0030] The disc brake caliper 14 is constructed for selectively
gripping (stopping rotation) of the bicycle disc brake rotor 12 to
stop or slow the rotation of a bicycle wheel (not shown). During
this braking operation, heat is generated that is transferred to
the bicycle disc brake rotor 12 and the bicycle disc brake caliper
14. As explained below, the bicycle disc brake rotor 12 is designed
to dissipate the heat generated during braking.
[0031] Referring now to FIGS. 2 to 4, the bicycle disc brake rotor
12 has a base rotor plate 21 that basically includes an outer
portion 22, a plurality of connecting arms 24 extending radially
inward from the outer portion 22, and a hub mounting portion 26
coupled to inner ends of the connecting arms 24. The connecting
arms 24 constitute a connecting portion of the base rotor plate 21
that connects the outer portion 22 to the hub mounting portion 26.
Also the connecting arms 24 (i.e., the connecting portion) and the
hub mounting portion 26 constitute an inner portion of the base
rotor plate 21. Here in the first illustrated embodiment, the outer
portion 22, the connecting arms 24 and the hub mounting portion 26
are integrally formed as a one-piece member of a suitable first
material such as aluminum alloy or other suitable lightweight
material. The outer portion 22 of the base rotor plate 21 has first
and second base surfaces 22a and 22b that face in opposite axial
directions of the bicycle disc brake rotor 12. The outer portion 22
of the base rotor plate 21 has an outer peripheral edge 22c and an
inner peripheral edge 22d. The connecting arms 24 extend radially
inward from the inner peripheral edge 22d of the outer portion
22.
[0032] The bicycle disc brake rotor 12 further includes a first
thermally sprayed layer 30, which is laminated on the first base
surface 22a of the outer portion 22 of the base rotor plate 21 to
form a first outer surface 30a. Preferably, the bicycle disc brake
rotor 12 further includes a second thermally sprayed layer 32,
which is laminated on the second base surface 22b of the outer
portion 22 of the base rotor plate 21 to form a second outer
surface 32a. The first and second outer surfaces 30a and 32a are
the outermost surfaces of the bicycle disc brake rotor 12.
[0033] Preferably, the first and second thermally sprayed layers 30
and 32 are laminated to the outer portion 22, each of the
connecting arms 24 and the hub mounting portion 26 by a cold
spraying process. Thus, the first and second thermally sprayed
layers 30 and 32 are secured to the outer portion 22 of the base
rotor plate 21 with a separate fastener such as a rivet. The first
and second thermally sprayed layers 30 and 32 are made of a second
material (e.g., stainless steel) that is different from the first
material (e.g., aluminum alloy) of the base rotor plate 21.
Preferably, the material (e.g., stainless steel) of the first and
second thermally sprayed layers 30 and 32 has a higher wear
resistance than the material (e.g., aluminum alloy) of the outer
portion 22 of the base rotor plate 21. In the first embodiment, the
material (e.g., stainless steel) of the first and second thermally
sprayed layers 30 and 32 has a lower thermal conductivity than the
outer portion 22. Thus, the first and second outer surfaces 30a and
32a constitute first and second braking surfaces of the bicycle
disc brake rotor 12 that are directly contacted by the brake pads
of the bicycle disc brake caliper 14. As a result, in the first
embodiment, the first and second thermally sprayed layers 30 and 32
of stainless steel are laminated to an aluminum alloy core of the
base rotor plate 21 to provide both the durability and powerful
braking properties of stainless and the lightness and heat
dissipation of aluminum.
[0034] Here in the first illustrated embodiment, the outer portion
22 has a thickness of about one millimeter, while the thicknesses
of the first and second thermally sprayed layers 30 and 32 are
preferably less than one millimeter. For example, the outer portion
22 can have a thickness of one millimeter and the first and second
thermally sprayed layers 30 and 32 can each have a thickness of 0.7
millimeter for a total outer rotor thickness of 2.4
millimeters.
[0035] In this first embodiment, the first and second thermally
sprayed layers 30 and 32 are applied by a cold spraying process so
as to trace the contours of the outer portion 22, each of the
connecting arms 24 and the hub mounting portion 26. While the first
and second thermally sprayed layers 30 and 32 completely covers the
outer portion 22, each of the connecting arms 24 and the hub
mounting portion 26 in the first illustrated embodiment, the first
and second thermally sprayed layers 30 and 32 are not limited to
this configuration. For example, the first and second thermally
sprayed layers 30 and 32 can be applied to only cover the first and
second base surfaces 22a and 22b of the outer portion 22 of the
base rotor plate 21. Alternatively, the first and second thermally
sprayed layers 30 and 32 can be applied such that the first and
second thermally sprayed layers 30 and 32 overlie the first and
second base surfaces 22a and 22b and partially overlie one or more
of the connecting arms 24. The first and second thermally sprayed
layers 30 and 32 can be applied to only one side or both sides of
the connecting arms 24 as needed and/or desired.
[0036] In the first illustrated embodiment, the hub mounting
portion 26 is integrally formed at the inner ends of the connecting
arms 214 as a one-piece member of a suitable first material such as
aluminum alloy or other suitable lightweight material. The hub
mounting portion 26 includes an opening 26a for accommodating a hub
axle therethrough, and a plurality of hub mounting holes 26b that
are arranged circumferentially about a center rotational axis A of
the bicycle disc brake rotor 12. The hub mounting portion 26 is
mounted to a bicycle hub by a plurality of bolts 40 as seen in FIG.
1. Thus, the bicycle disc brake rotor 12 rotates with the bicycle
hub about the center rotational axis A.
[0037] Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, a bicycle disc brake rotor
112 in accordance with a second embodiment will now be explained.
Here, the bicycle disc brake rotor 112 has a base rotor plate 121
that basically includes an outer portion 122, a plurality of
connecting arms 124 extending radially inward from the outer
portion 122, and a hub mounting portion 126 coupled to inner ends
of the connecting arms 124. The connecting arms 124 constitute a
connecting portion of the base rotor plate 121 that connects the
outer portion 122 to the hub mounting portion 126. Also the
connecting arms 124 (i.e., the connecting portion) and the hub
mounting portion 126 constitute an inner portion of the base rotor
plate 121. The bicycle disc brake rotor 112 further includes a
first thermally sprayed layer 130, which is laminated on the first
base surface 122a of the outer portion 122 of the base rotor plate
121 to form a first outer surface 130a. Preferably, the bicycle
disc brake rotor 112 further includes a second thermally sprayed
layer 132, which is laminated on the second base surface 122b of
the outer portion 122 of the base rotor plate 121 to form a second
outer surface 132a. The first and second outer surfaces 130a and
132a are the outermost surfaces of the bicycle disc brake rotor
112.
[0038] Here in the second illustrated embodiment, the hub mounting
portion 126 is a separate member that is fixed to the inner ends of
the connecting arms 214. Also the second illustrated embodiment,
the outer portion 122 and the connecting arms 124 are integrally
formed as a one-piece member of a suitable first material such as
aluminum alloy or other suitable lightweight material. Thus, the
bicycle disc brake rotor 112 is identical in construction to the
bicycle disc brake rotor 12, except that hub mounting portion 126
is a separate member from the outer portion 122 and the connecting
arms 124, and the hub mounting portion 126 does not include the
first and second thermally sprayed layers 130 and 132. In view of
the similarities between the bicycle disc brake rotors 12 and 112,
the bicycle disc brake rotor 112 will not be discussed in great
detail herein.
[0039] Similar to the prior embodiment, the outer portion 122 of
the base rotor plate 121 has first and second base surfaces 122a
and 122b that face in opposite axial directions of the bicycle disc
brake rotor 112. The outer portion 122 of the base rotor plate 121
has an outer peripheral edge 122c and an inner peripheral edge
122d. The connecting arms 124 extend radially inward from the inner
peripheral edge 122d of the outer portion 122. The hub mounting
portion 126 includes an opening 126a for accommodating a hub axle
therethrough, and a plurality of hub mounting holes 126b that are
arranged circumferentially about the center rotational axis A of
the bicycle disc brake rotor 112.
[0040] Referring now to FIGS. 7 to 9, a bicycle disc brake rotor
212 in accordance with a third embodiment will now be explained.
Here, the bicycle disc brake rotor 212 has a base rotor plate 221
that basically includes an outer portion 222, a plurality of
connecting arms 224 extending radially inward from the outer
portion 222, and a hub mounting portion 226 coupled to inner ends
of the connecting arms 224. The connecting arms 224 constitute a
connecting portion of the base rotor plate 221 that connects the
outer portion 222 to the hub mounting portion 226. Also the
connecting arms 224 (i.e., the connecting portion) and the hub
mounting portion 226 constitute an inner portion of the base rotor
plate 221.
[0041] The bicycle disc brake rotor 212 further includes a first
thermally sprayed layer 230, which is laminated on the first base
surface 222a of the outer portion 222 of the base rotor plate 221
to form a first outer surface 230a. Preferably, the bicycle disc
brake rotor 212 further includes a second thermally sprayed layer
232, which is laminated on the second base surface 222b of the
outer portion 222 of the base rotor plate 221 to form a second
outer surface 232a. The first and second outer surfaces 230a and
232a are the outermost surfaces of the bicycle disc brake rotor
212.
[0042] Here in the third illustrated embodiment, the outer portion
222 is a separate member from the connecting arms 224 and the hub
mounting portion 226. Also the third illustrated embodiment, the
connecting arms 224 and the hub mounting portion 226 are integrally
formed as a one-piece member of a suitable first material such as
aluminum alloy or other suitable lightweight material. Thus, the
bicycle disc brake rotor 212 is identical in construction to the
bicycle disc brake rotor 12, except that the connecting arms 224
and the hub mounting portion 226 have been modified such that the
hub mounting portion 226 has a splined hub mounting hole 226a and
only a portion of the connecting arms 224 includes the first and
second thermally sprayed layers 230 and 232. In this embodiment,
the splined hub mounting hole 226a is centered on the center
rotational axis A of the bicycle disc brake rotor 212. In view of
the similarities between the bicycle disc brake rotors 12 and 212,
the bicycle disc brake rotor 212 will not be discussed in great
detail herein.
[0043] Similar to the prior embodiments, the outer portion 222 of
the base rotor plate 221 has first and second base surfaces 222a
and 222b that face in opposite axial directions of the bicycle disc
brake rotor 212. The outer portion 222 of the base rotor plate 221
has an outer peripheral edge 222c and an inner peripheral edge
222d. The connecting arms 224 extend radially inward from the inner
peripheral edge 222d of the outer portion 222.
[0044] Referring now to FIGS. 10 to 12, a bicycle disc brake rotor
312 in accordance with a fourth embodiment will now be explained.
Here, the bicycle disc brake rotor 312 has a base rotor plate 321
that basically includes an outer portion 322, a plurality of
connecting arms 324 extending radially inward from the outer
portion 322, and a hub mounting portion 326 coupled to inner ends
of the connecting arms 324. The connecting arms 324 constitute a
connecting portion of the base rotor plate 321 that connects the
outer portion 322 to the hub mounting portion 326. Also the
connecting arms 324 (i.e., the connecting portion) and the hub
mounting portion 326 constitute an inner portion of the base rotor
plate 321.
[0045] Similar to the prior embodiments, the bicycle disc brake
rotor 312 further includes a first thermally sprayed layer 330,
which is laminated on the first base surface 322a of the outer
portion 322 of the base rotor plate 321 to form a first outer
surface 330a. Preferably, the bicycle disc brake rotor 312 further
includes a second thermally sprayed layer 332, which is laminated
on the second base surface 322b of the outer portion 322 of the
base rotor plate 321 to form a second outer surface 332a. The first
and second outer surfaces 330a and 332a are the outermost surfaces
of the bicycle disc brake rotor 312.
[0046] Here in the fourth illustrated embodiment, the outer portion
322 is integrally formed with connecting arms 324 and the hub
mounting portion 326 as a one-piece member. Alternatively, the
outer portion 322 can be preferably bonded to the outer end of the
connecting arms 324 by welding, brazing or an adhesive if needed
and/or desired. In the fourth illustrated embodiment, the base
rotor plate 321 is a one-piece member that is formed a suitable
first material such as aluminum alloy or other suitable lightweight
material. Thus, the bicycle disc brake rotor 312 is identical in
construction to the bicycle disc brake rotor 12, except that the
connecting arms 324 and the hub mounting portion 326 have been
modified such that the first and second thermally sprayed layers
330 and 332 only extends partially along the connecting arms 324,
and such that the mounting portion 326 is thicker and configured to
be stronger. In view of the similarities between the bicycle disc
brake rotors 12 and 312, the bicycle disc brake rotor 312 will not
be discussed in great detail herein.
[0047] Similar to the prior embodiments, the outer portion 322 of
the base rotor plate 321 has first and second base surfaces 322a
and 322b that face in opposite axial directions of the bicycle disc
brake rotor 312. The connecting arms 324 extend radially inward
from the inner peripheral edge 322d of the outer portion 322. The
hub mounting portion 326 includes an opening 326a for accommodating
a hub axle therethrough, and a plurality of hub mounting holes 326b
that are arranged circumferentially about the center rotational
axis A of the bicycle disc brake rotor 1312.
[0048] Referring now to FIGS. 13 to 16, a bicycle disc brake rotor
412 in accordance with a fifth embodiment will now be explained.
Here, the bicycle disc brake rotor 412 has a base rotor plate 421
that basically includes an outer portion 422, a plurality of
connecting arms 424 extending radially inward from the outer
portion 422, and a hub mounting portion 426 coupled to inner ends
of the connecting arms 424. The connecting arms 424 constitute a
connecting portion of the base rotor plate 421 that connects the
outer portion 422 to the hub mounting portion 426. Also the
connecting arms 424 (i.e., the connecting portion) and the hub
mounting portion 426 constitute an inner portion of the base rotor
plate 421.
[0049] Similar to the prior embodiments, the bicycle disc brake
rotor 412 further includes a first thermally sprayed layer 430,
which is laminated on the first base surface 422a of the outer
portion 422 of the base rotor plate 421 to form a first outer
surface 430a. Preferably, the bicycle disc brake rotor 412 further
includes a second thermally sprayed layer 232, which is laminated
on the second base surface 422b of the outer portion 422 of the
base rotor plate 421 to form a second outer surface 432a. The first
and second outer surfaces 430a and 432a are the outermost surfaces
of the bicycle disc brake rotor 412.
[0050] Here in the fifth illustrated embodiment, the bicycle disc
brake rotor 412 further includes a third thermally sprayed layer
434 and a fourth thermally sprayed layer 436. The third thermally
sprayed layer 434 laminated is between the first base surface 422a
of the outer portion 422 of the base rotor plate 421 and the first
thermally sprayed layer 430. The fourth thermally sprayed layer 436
is laminated between the second base surface 422b of the outer
portion 422 of the base rotor plate 421 and the second thermally
sprayed layer 432. In the fifth illustrated embodiment, the first
and second base surfaces 422a and 422b include recesses that
receive the third and fourth thermally sprayed layers 434 and 436,
respectively.
[0051] Similar to the prior embodiments, the base rotor plate 421
is formed of aluminum alloy, the first and second thermally sprayed
layers 430 and 432 are formed of stainless steel. The third and
fourth thermally sprayed layers 434 and 436 are formed of a third
material such as copper. The third and fourth thermally sprayed
layers 434 and 436 are preferably applied by a cold spray
process.
[0052] Thus, the bicycle disc brake rotor 412 is identical in
construction to the bicycle disc brake rotor 12, except that the
outer portion 422 and the connecting arms 424 have been modified to
include recesses with the third and fourth thermally sprayed layers
434 and 436 applied thereto, and such that the first and second
thermally sprayed layers 430 and 432 only extends partially along
the connecting arms 424. In view of the similarities between the
bicycle disc brake rotors 12 and 412, the bicycle disc brake rotor
412 will not be discussed in great detail herein.
[0053] Similar to the first embodiment, the outer portion 422 of
the base rotor plate 121 has an outer peripheral edge 422c and an
inner peripheral edge 422d. The connecting arms 424 extend radially
inward from the inner peripheral edge 422d of the outer portion
422. The hub mounting portion 426 includes an opening 426a for
accommodating a hub axle therethrough, and a plurality of hub
mounting holes 426b that are arranged circumferentially about the
center rotational axis A of the bicycle disc brake rotor 412.
[0054] Referring now to FIGS. 17 and 18, a bicycle disc brake rotor
512 in accordance with a sixth embodiment will now be explained.
The bicycle disc brake rotor 512 has a base rotor plate 521 that
includes an outer portion 522, a connecting portion 524 and a hub
mounting portion 526. The connecting portion 524 connects the outer
portion 522 to the hub mounting portion 526. Also the connecting
portion 524 and the hub mounting portion 526 constitute an inner
portion of the base rotor plate 521. Here in the sixth illustrated
embodiment, the outer portion 522, the connecting portion 524 and
the hub mounting portion 526 can be integrally formed as a
one-piece member, similar to the base rotor plate 21, or can be
formed of two or more separate pieces that fixedly coupled together
as a unit, similar to the base rotor plates 121 and 221. The outer
portion 522, the connecting portion 524 and the hub mounting
portion 526 are formed of a suitable first material such as
aluminum alloy or other suitable lightweight material.
[0055] The bicycle disc brake rotor 512 further includes a first
thermally sprayed layer 530, which is laminated on a first base
surface of the outer portion 522 of the base rotor plate 521 to
form a first outer (braking) surface similar to the base rotor
plates 21, 121, 221 and 321. Preferably, the bicycle disc brake
rotor 512 further includes a second thermally sprayed layer 532,
which is laminated on a second base surface of the outer portion
522 of the base rotor plate 521 to form a second outer (braking)
surface similar to the base rotor plates 21, 121, 221 and 321.
Similar to the prior embodiments, the first and second thermally
sprayed layers 530 and 532 are made of a second material (e.g.,
stainless steel) that is different from the first material (e.g.,
aluminum alloy) of the base rotor plate 521. The first and second
thermally sprayed layers 530 and 532 are applied by a cold spraying
process so as to trace the contours of the outer portion 522, each
of the connecting portion 524 and the hub mounting portion 526. In
view of the similarities between the bicycle disc brake rotor 512
and the prior embodiments, the bicycle disc brake rotor 512 only
the differences from the prior embodiments will now be discussed in
further detail.
[0056] In particular, instead of a plurality of connecting arms,
the connecting portion 524 is a single continuous disc that extends
between the outer portion 522 and the hub mounting portion 526 in
this sixth embodiment. The connecting portion 524 includes a
plurality of protruding members 524a that form cooling fins or
blocks. Each of the protruding members 524a constitutes a cooling
projection. However, the protruding members 524a can other cooling
configurations such as a single protruding member (e.g., a single
spiral protruding member) can be used if needed and/or desired. The
first thermally sprayed layer 530 can completely covers the
protruding members 526a or can be uncoated as illustrated.
[0057] In this sixth embodiment, similar to some of the prior
embodiments, the hub mounting portion 526 includes a hub mounting
opening 526a that has a plurality of serrations arranged
circumferentially about a center rotational axis A. Of course, it
will be apparent from this disclosure that the hub mounting portion
526 can have other mounting configurations. Also, in this sixth
embodiment, similar to some of the prior embodiments, the
connecting portion 524 is integrally formed with both the outer
portion 522 and the hub mounting portion 526 as a one-piece member.
Of course, the hub mounting portion 526 can be a separate member
that is attached to the connecting portion 524, which can be either
integrally formed with the outer portion 5 as a one-piece, unitary
member or a separate member that is attached to the outer portion
522.
[0058] While only selected embodiments have been chosen to
illustrate the present invention, it will be apparent to those
skilled in the art from this disclosure that various changes and
modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope
of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example,
the size, shape, location or orientation of the various components
can be changed as needed and/or desired. Components that are shown
directly connected or contacting each other can have intermediate
structures disposed between them. The functions of one element can
be performed by two, and vice versa. The structures and functions
of one embodiment can be adopted in another embodiment. It is not
necessary for all advantages to be present in a particular
embodiment at the same time. Every feature which is unique from the
prior art, alone or in combination with other features, also should
be considered a separate description of further inventions by the
applicant, including the structural and/or functional concepts
embodied by such feature(s). Thus, the foregoing descriptions of
the embodiments according to the present invention are provided for
illustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the
invention as defined by the appended claims and their
equivalents.
* * * * *